Pamplin College of Business

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Pamplin College of Business History

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, founded in 1872, is a public, coeducational institution. The 2000-acre campus is located in a small town 250 miles southwest of Washington, D.C. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is 26,371.

The Pamplin College of Business was founded in 1967 and is located on the main campus, in its own building. Courses also are offered at Northern Virginia Center in Falls Church and satellite locations throughout the state. The basic educational approach is approximately 55% theoretical, 35% case method, and 10% experiential.

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Pamplin College of Business Academics

The Pamplin College of Business offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Accountancy (MAcct), Master of Science in Business Administration (MS), and Master of Science in Marketing (MS) as well as a doctoral program in management, business information technology, marketing, finance, accounting and information systems, and hospitality and tourism management. Other programs include an interdisciplinary program in information technology, cooperative programs with Thunderbird University (MIM/MBA) and Institut National des T

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Pamplin College of Business Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 2 million volumes, and subscribes to 17,730 periodicals. The business library is particularly strong in information systems, marketing, finance, management, and accounting. Students have access to such databases and networks as InfoTrac, Dow Jones Retrieval System, Compact Disclosure, WESTLAW, Lexis/Nexis, and Research Insight. Virginia Tech is home to the world’s fastest university-based super computer and has more than 125 research laboratories located throughout the campus, covering a wide range of topics.

Computers

Graduate business students must have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities, consisting of 2 labs with approximately 45 computers available days and evenings. The PCs are loaded with various office and programming software packages.

Career and Job Placement

Majors most in demand by companies recruiting in 2006 were information systems and technology, and finance. Average starting salary of the graduating class was $57,996; range was $42,000 to $110,000. The percentage of graduates finding jobs were:

• national corporations 29%
• regional corporations 29%
• government 24%
• local small enterprises 10%
• local large enterprises 4%
• self-employment 4%

Placement services are extensive in the full-time program. Placement services for alumni include alumni networking, job postings, and MBA corporate briefings. Placement is available through a separate placement office for graduate business students and the university placement office. Ninety-one percent of the most recent graduating class found jobs within three months of receiving their degree.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL. International students must score 550 on the Paper-Based TOEFL (PBT) or 90 on the Internet-Based (iBT) version. They also must submit a translation of their transcripts, proof of health consisting of a certified health statement from a doctor, and proof of adequate funds to cover 1 year of study. Financial aid is available for these students and consists of instructional fee scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships. The application deadline for fall entry is April 15.

Calendar

The school operates on a traditional semester basis. Semesters are 16 weeks long; summer sessions, 6 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the day and evening.

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Pamplin College of Business Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 3.0. Most important admissions factors are GMAT results, academic accomplishments and ability, and work experience. A strong mathematics background is required.

The number of applicants for the 2006-2007 class was 345; 149 were accepted; 110 enrolled. The average GPA was 3.2; average GMAT score was 627. Transfers are not accepted. Minority students are actively recruited.

Students may begin the MBA program in the fall. To apply, students must submit an application form, 2 transcripts, GMAT scores, a nonrefundable application fee of $45, and a resume. The application deadline is April 15 for fall entry. Students are notified of the admissions decision within 6 to 8 weeks of application arrival date. Once accepted, students may defer admission. Requests are reviewed on an individual basis.

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Pamplin College of Business Financial Aid

About 75% of graduate business school students receive financial aid from scholarships, loans, and graduate assistantships, for a total average of $4777 annually; maximum $14,057. The FAFSA is required. The application deadline is April 15 for fall entry.

Tuition for in-state residents is $292 per credit, or $7017 per year. Nonresidents pay $517 per credit, or $12,414 per year. On-campus room and board costs approximately $3224; books and supplies, $800; personal expenses, $600; and other fees, $1642, for an estimated annual total of $13,283 for in-state residents and $18,680 for out-of-state residents. Graduate student housing is available on-campus for graduate and professional students. This housing option reflects both the diversity and tradition that are the hallmarks of graduate studies at the University. The facilities are suited to provide privacy, convenience, and an atmosphere conducive to learning. There is a referral service to help procure off-campus housing.

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Pamplin College of Business Students

Sixty-two percent of the current graduate business school class have had an average of 33 months of full-time work experience prior to entering graduate school, a factor preferred by the school. The greatest percentage of students are from foreign countries (50%). Thirty-four percent are women, 18% are minorities, and 26% are foreign nationals. The average age at entrance is 26; ages range from 21 to 38. Seventy-one percent enter directly from undergraduate school; 8% already have a graduate degree. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 40%, business; 23%, engineering; 20%, math and science; 10%, economics; and 5%, liberal arts. In 2006, 195 graduate business degrees were awarded.